It was a disappointing season for Stirling Albion, who failed to challenge for a play-off place under manager Kevin Rutkiewicz.
The Binos made a desperate start under manager Dave Mackay, despite a summer of optimism following an encouraging first season at the helm, and he was sacked following a 3-0 defeat at bottom side Albion Rovers in September. He wasn’t helped by the loss of last season’s leading goalscorer and player of the year Darren Smith, who struggled with a back injury.
Rutkiewicz was handed his first managerial role and made a great start with the side losing just twice in 14 league matches. It took them to the cusp of the play-offs but they lost their form and endured a frustrating end to the season which saw them finish 19 points short of the play-off places.
Defender Lee Hamilton was another influential player whose season was ruined by injury whilst Smith still finished as leading scorer with 11 goals, some way short of his 25 goals from the previous year. Dan Jardine had a superb season on the right wing whilst Calum Ferrie made the No.1 jersey his own after joining on a season-long loan from Dundee, and was voted player of the year.
With the honeymoon period now over for Rutkiewicz, he will need to show his managerial credentials this summer as the Binos faithful will expect a play-off challenge next time around.
